Kathleen Boudewyns Letz

Surrounded by her family, Kathleen Boudewyns Letz, 79, went home peacefully to be with our Lord on May 21, 2025. A devoted wife, mother, nana, teacher, and friend. Kathy enriched the lives of so many with her unwavering, vibrant spirit, kindness, and abiding faith.

Kathy is preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Corinne Boudewyns, and her first grandchild that she held so dear to her heart, her little angel, Clarence Robert. She is lovingly survived by her husband, Dick Letz, daughters Suzie Letz, Amy Antons (Nathan), and Kim Sleiter (Dan), brother, Pat Boudewyns (Joan), and grandchildren: Gabrielle, Madeleine, Kaden, Jett, Alexis, Andrew, Ryker, and Azlyn.

Born on May 2, 1946, in Des Moines, IA, Kathy was raised with strong values and faith that would guide her throughout her life. She attended St. Joseph’s Academy for high school and later furthered her education at Northwest Missouri State and Drake University, laying the foundation for a lifelong passion for learning and service. Kathy dedicated herself to teaching at Holy Trinity School for thirty-seven years where she shaped the minds and hearts of countless students. Leaving a legacy of knowledge, compassion, and warmth to all.

In 1968, Kathy married her high school sweetheart, Dick Letz. Kathy and Dick shared fifty-seven wonderful years together built on love and mutual respect. Kathy was the proud mother of three daughters whose lives were a testament to her nurturing spirit. Later in life, Kathy found pure joy in the laughter and achievements of her cherished grandchildren. While celebrating their accomplishments with unparalleled support and excitement, she found profound happiness watching them play soccer, baseball, volleyball, football, act, sing, and play the violin.

Kathy’s love for life extended beyond her family and career. An avid sports enthusiast, she relished the challenges and camaraderie found in playing golf, pickleball, tennis, and competing in the Iowa Senior Games. She treasured her regular outings for coffee, lunch, and spirited rounds of bridge with her friends. These moments exemplified her ability to enjoy life’s simple pleasures and foster deep, lasting connections.

Her faith was the cornerstone of her existence—a devout Catholic whose belief and trust in God guided every moment of her journey. Most recently, this deep spiritual connection gave her the will to courageously fight this most rare and aggressive of cancers for the past year. A battle marked by unwavering strength and grace. Her bravery during this challenging time touched her family, adding yet another layer to the indomitable spirit with which she approached life.

Her legacy is one of unyielding devotion, compassion, and zest for life. While we mourn her loss, we also celebrate the remarkable impact she had on everyone around her. Kathy’s memory will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know her, and her spirit will forever live on in the hearts of her family and friends.

Rest in peace, Kathy. Your memory will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all who loved you.

A rosary will be held at 4:30 p.m. on June 10, 2025, with a visitation to follow from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home & Crematory (8201 Hickman Road, Urbandale IA, 50223). A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on June 11, 2025, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church (1627 Grand Ave, West Des Moines, IA 50265) Interment will follow at Highland Memory Gardens (1 NE 60th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50313) Memorial contributions can be made to InnerVisions Healthcare (1355 50th Street, Suite 400 West Des Moines, Iowa 50266) in memory of Kathleen.